CV joint / axle replacement, tie-rod replacement

[Rally1]

I was replacing my front axle, and discovered that my tie-rod boot is cracked too.

So know I will be replacing both, or trying too. Anything I find on the subject I will post here in case it helps others.

Other threads:
Installed new front axles

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[Jeffee]

yea im about to fix those damn tie rod ends also... mine are pretty f'ed up also Satan said 50 bucks each.... but im sure i can fine cheaper somewhere

 

[Rally1]

Q: Sounds like tie-rods are a PITA to replace, so can I just replace the outside somehow?

A: They look to be $20 @ Kragen $18 at autozone.

 

[pneumo]

You can easily replace the outer tie rod joint. You can see the threaded part of the rod and the locknut in your pictures above. Just break the locknut free and unscrew it from the rod. The other end can be removed by taking out the cotter pin and unscrewing the nut. Use a picklefork or a large hammer to press the balljoint out of the steering knuckle. By the looks of it you'll also need lots of PB Blaster, too.

The one trick to replacing them without messing up the alignment too bad is to only loosen the locknut as little as possible. Mark it with something so when you put the new joints on you can put it in the same spot. You have to get it re-aligned after replacing the tie rod ends.

For the axles you can get a CV boot rebuilt kit at most auto parts stores for cheap. Do not get the kit with the split boot. It will come apart.

To avoid rebuilding the axle yourself, you can also get complete rebuilt axles from auto parts stores.

 

[Rally1]

Thanks. I got the pickle fork working, and got both ball joints apart (with some effort). Had a tough time getting the axle out of the tranny. Finally the pry-bar worked.

So install day tomorrow.
Axle $60
Tie-rod end $20
Seal $5
Tranny fluid.